Chapter 25: Sacrificing Love to Preserve Sisterhood

"Lu yike, where is the Barbie doll I gave you? It used to be displayed on your bedside table," Lü Yuxin's voice interrupted Lin Yike's thoughts.

"I threw it away," Lin Yike replied, her tone flat and cold.

Lü Yuxin's smile stiffened slightly, and she said somewhat awkwardly, "You must have accidentally lost it. You used to like it a lot."

"Just because I liked it before doesn't mean I like it now. Nothing remains constant. Just like how Zuo Ye used to be my fiancé but now he's become my sister's fiancé," Lin Yike's indifferent tone was filled with sarcasm.

Lü Yuxin's temper almost flared up. She tightly gripped the box in her hand, struggling to suppress her emotions. Her smile became even more forced.

"Barbie dolls are meant for children. It's normal for us, Xiao Ke, to outgrow those things and not like them anymore," Lü Yuxin said, placing the jewelry box she had been holding onto the dressing table in front of Lin Yike. She looked eager and said, "Take a look at this. You'll definitely like it."

Lin Yike furrowed her brow slightly, vaguely puzzled. She couldn't figure out what Lü Yuxin was up to.

She casually opened the jewelry box and saw a sapphire necklace inside. Both the craftsmanship of the necklace and the quality of the gemstone were extraordinary. Lin Yike estimated that the necklace was worth at least one million.

"A gift for me?"

"Of course. Let me help you put it on and see if you like it," Lü Yuxin said eagerly, putting the necklace around Lin Yike's neck.

Lin Yike had a slender and graceful neck, and the necklace suited her well.

"Do you like it?" Lü Yuxin asked with a smile.

"With such generosity from my sister, of course I like it," Lin Yike said with a smirk.

"If you like it, then wear it. It's my birthday next week, and Dad and Mom are planning a small birthday party for me. You should wear it and make a stunning entrance," Lü Yuxin said.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yike showed no signs of joy. Instead, she reached out and took off the necklace. "I wouldn't dare steal the limelight from the birthday girl at my sister's birthday banquet."

She held the necklace in her hand, gently caressing the gemstone with her fair fingertips, and then handed the necklace back to Lü Yuxin. "Such an expensive necklace, is my sister really willing to sacrifice it?"

"You're my sister. What is there to be reluctant about?" Lü Yuxin smiled and pushed the necklace back.

"Then I shall comply with your wishes," Lin Yike replied without further courtesy, casually tossing the necklace onto the tabletop, producing a sound that was neither light nor heavy.

"Do I also like Zuo Ye? Sister, are you willing to sacrifice our sisterly bond?" Lin Yike suddenly asked.

Lü Yuxin visibly hesitated, her expression showing a hint of distortion.

"Xiao Ke, let's stop deceiving ourselves, okay? You should be well aware that you and Zuo Ye are no longer possible. I don't dare to hope for your blessings; I just humbly ask for your forgiveness. Xiao Ke, I couldn't help but fall in love with Zuo Ye..."

Lü Yuxin's words were interrupted by her tears. She cried pitifully, as if she was the one who had suffered all the grievances.

Using the same tactics again and again, does Lü Yuxin think she's fooling Lin Yike? Lin Yike sneered inwardly.

"You pushed me into a strange room, causing me to be violated. Was that also out of uncontrollable emotions?"

"I truly didn't know there was someone in that room. Xiao Ke, you have to believe me..." Lü Yuxin held Lin Yike's hand, crying and explaining. She seemed genuinely emotional, only a vow to the heavens was missing.

Lin Yike couldn't bring herself to believe her.

After Lü Yuxin left, Lin Yike lifted the necklace she had left behind with her fingertips. The sapphire pendant swayed in front of her eyes.

She squinted her dark eyes, lost in thought.

...

A week later, the official Weibo account of "Mermaid Princess" announced the list of several lead actors, confirming that Lin Yike would play the role of the mermaid Yi Duo.

For the entertainment industry, the name Lin Yike was still completely unfamiliar. Once the news was released, it caused a sensation on both the official Weibo account and various forums.

During an interview with reporters, Director Chen also explained why he chose a newcomer instead of using any of the experienced top actresses.

Director Chen said, "I've always believed that casting actors is like falling in love, it's based on intuition and chemistry. Lin Yike is the ideal mermaid Yi Duo in my mind."

...

With a loud bang, a teacup crashed onto the LCD monitor, sending ceramic fragments flying across the floor.

Hearing the noise, Lü Huixin quickly pushed the door open and entered, almost stepping on the broken pieces with her slippers.

"Yutong, what's wrong?" Lü Huixin anxiously looked at her daughter.

On the other side, Lü Yutong stood amidst the mess, her cheeks flushed, but she had managed to regain control of her emotions.

"Sorry, I accidentally knocked over the teacup," Lü Yuxin spoke gracefully, giving a slight adjustment to the shawl on her shoulder.

"It's okay. I'll have the servant come in and clean up. As long as you're not hurt."

Lü Huixin called the household servant to come in, and the room was quickly tidied up.

After the servant left, the mother and daughter closed the door and began conversing inside the room.

"I've already spoken to your uncle on the phone, asking him to find a solution to this matter as soon as possible. 'Mermaid Princess' is a film invested by Tianxing Media, and you were already confirmed as the lead actress. I didn't expect Director Chen to be so stubborn," Lü Huixin said, annoyed.

Lü Yutong sat down on the sofa nearby, looking calm and composed, except for her slightly pale complexion. "Forget it. Director Chen's stubbornness is well-known in the industry. There have been cases before where he clashed with investors over casting and the projects fell through. This drama is his signature work, driving people away would only harm the company's interests. Uncle won't agree."

"But you've been waiting for this opportunity for so long," Lü Huixin sighed helplessly.

"I've accepted the role of the second female lead in 'Mermaid Princess.' I will sign the contract tomorrow, and the official Weibo will announce it soon," Lü Yutong said.

Although Director Chen rejected Lü Yutong at first, citing her tardiness, she ultimately proved herself during the audition.

Lü Yutong came from a professional background and had put in a lot of effort in honing her acting skills. There was no doubt about her talent. However, Director Chen had a preconceived notion of Lin Yike and believed that Lü Yutong was not suitable for the role of Yi Duo. He suggested that she play the role of the virtuous maiden instead.

After careful consideration, Lü Yutong decided to accept the role of the virtuous maiden.

"By playing the second female lead, you're just playing second fiddle to Lin Yike. Isn't this like making a wedding dress for her? Yutong, you really need to think it through," Lü Huixin added.

Lü Yutong sat there calmly, her clenched fist resting on the back of the sofa.

Of course, she was unwilling to play second fiddle to anyone, especially Lin Yike.

"Although the official Weibo has announced the cast list, there's still a month until the start of filming. Whether Lin Yike can ultimately join the cast is still unknown..."

Lü Yutong raised an eyebrow and looked at Lü Huixin. Both mother and daughter were astute individuals who didn't need many words. They instantly understood each other's thoughts.